Top 16 Lakes around Saint-Paul

Lake Phalen is the city's only designated swimming lake, offering a refreshing experience within Saint Paul. While technically in Minneapolis, Lake Nokomis is also a popular choice for swimming due to its clean water and amenities.

Lake Como is considered one of the best places for fishing, well-stocked with species like bluegill, crappie, bass, and walleye, and offers both bank fishing and a fishing pier. White Bear Lake is also excellent for fishing, as are Casey Lake and Silver Lake, which both provide good shore fishing opportunities and piers.

Absolutely! Lake Phalen, as part of Phalen Regional Park, offers canoe and paddleboat rentals, picnics, golf, and a playground. Lake Como also has paddleboat rides and is part of Como Park, which includes a zoo and playground. Many lakes, like White Bear Lake and Silver Lake, feature public beaches for family enjoyment.

Lake Phalen features 3.2 miles of paved multi-use trails perfect for hiking and biking. Lake Como also has paved paths ideal for walking and biking along its tranquil shores. Many lakes offer paths suitable for leisurely strolls and enjoying the natural surroundings.

Lake Phalen is excellent for boating, with canoe and paddleboat rentals available. Lake Como allows human-powered watercraft and electric trolling motors. White Bear Lake is also suitable for boating with a trolling motor, given its large size.

Casey Lake, located in North St. Paul, is often considered a shallow 'hidden gem' accessible through Casey Lake Park. It offers delightful shore fishing and a beautifully restored shoreline, making it a peaceful spot to visit.

At Lake Phalen, you can visit the Xiang Jiang Pavilion, which celebrates the connection between St. Paul and Changsha, China. The park also hosts the annual Dragon Boat Festival in July, offering a unique cultural experience.

Lake Como provides excellent amenities, including restrooms, public parking, and picnic grills. Lake Phalen also offers ample space for picnics within Phalen Regional Park. Silver Lake Park features a public beach and expansive shoreline access, likely with associated amenities.

White Bear Lake is notable for its charming town center with shops and restaurants located right off its western shores, offering convenient options for dining and shopping after enjoying the lake.

White Bear Lake, while a bit further out, is an excellent choice for a day trip due to its large size, multiple beaches, and the charming town center with shops and restaurants. Lake Phalen and Lake Como are also great for shorter day trips within the city.

Many of the lakes, particularly those with preserved shorelines like Casey Lake, support local ecosystems. The reedbeds at Lake Phalen and the natural habitats around other lakes provide opportunities to observe various bird species and other wildlife.

Beyond water sports, the areas around Saint Paul's lakes offer various outdoor activities. You can find road cycling routes, general cycling paths, and running trails. For example, there are Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Paul, Cycling around Saint-Paul, and Running Trails around Saint-Paul that allow you to explore the natural beauty of the region.

Casey Lake, often described as a 'hidden gem' with its beautifully restored shoreline and ongoing efforts to maintain its ecosystem, offers a more tranquil and reflective experience away from the busier spots.